FORNEY, Texas — Forney Police Department Chief Rick Barnes announced his retirement today, according to the City of Forney.
FORNEY, Texas — Forney Police Department Chief Rick Barnes announced his retirement today, according to the City of Forney.
Barnes is retiring after 37 years of service in the City of Forney having joined the department in 1979. Barnes became chief in January 1987 where he continued to serve until his planned retirement on October 31, 2016.
“In his career, Chief Barnes is responsible for implementing and enhancing many police/community partnerships, which still exist today,” stated the City of Forney in a Wednesday press release. “Other significant accomplishments include: Improved relations with community partners, improved relations with law enforcement partners in Kaufman County and North Texas, the development of a working relationship between the City and Police Department and was instrumental in the construction efforts of the new Forney Justice Center in September 2009.”
“The City of Forney has been good to me and my family,” stated Barnes. “It is a very hard decision for me to make.”
“A lot of things have happened here in the last 37 years,” stated Barnes. “I have seen a lot of things and learned a lot from them.”
“The thing I am most proud of is, that I believe, I am leaving you with a modern, experienced police department, who has the best interest in the city’s citizens,” he said. “Any chief should be proud to take over the kind of department the city has at this time.”
A retirement reception will be held in October prior to his last day of service, according to the City of Forney.
“The City is extremely grateful to Chief Barnes for his service to both our community and Police Department,” stated the City of Forney.
The City of Forney will use Strategic Government Resources to begin the search process for a new police chief. The firm is currently leading the search for a new city manager and city attorney.
The delayed retirement will allow for the new city manager to be involved in the recruitment process of the new chief, according to the City of Forney.
